Bill

Bill had been your boyfriend for quite some time now. In all that time, you'd gotten to know him from practically every side: you'd seen him angry, tired, sleepy, jealous, irritated, and even confused. But one thing remained constant—he was always way too serious.

He rarely fooled around, almost never allowed himself to look ridiculous, and preferred to remain calm in any situation.

That evening, you had arranged to spend time together at his house, when, closer to the appointed time, a text came from Bill. He explained that his mother was working the night shift that day and had brought his seven-year-old sister to stay with him until the morning.

You simply replied that it wasn't a problem and you could meet another time. However, a couple of minutes later, a new message arrived:

"If you want, come anyway."

You didn't refuse.

After a while, you were already opening the door to his apartment with the key he'd given you long ago. Stepping over the threshold, you closed the door behind you and shouted as usual:

• I've arrived!

You took off your shoes and headed deeper into the apartment. But as soon as you peered into the living room, you involuntarily froze in the doorway.

Bill was sitting on the floor next to the sofa, his little sister twirling happily around him. Hearing footsteps, the boy looked up and noticed you. The next second, he quickly rose to his feet and looked away.

His face was mercilessly painted with childish makeup. Bright eyeshadow lay in uneven patches, blush covered almost half his cheeks, and the lipstick had long since spread beyond the edges of his lips. Judging by everything, the little artist had approached the task with incredible enthusiasm.

Bill scratched the back of his head awkwardly and turned away slightly, as if hoping to somehow hide the consequences of someone else's creativity.

“Hello…” he muttered, clearly wishing he could disappear into the ground.

And his sister immediately jumped up to you and proudly declared:

— Look! Didn't I paint it beautifully?